Limited Trains Between Tirupati and Vizag a Matter of Concern

Tirupati: While Tirupati expands as a major pilgrimage hub, Visakhapatnam is continuing to rise as the commercial and educational centre of Andhra Pradesh. But rail connectivity between the two cities has not kept up with the requirements of people.

Passengers say securing a confirmed train ticket between Tirupati and Visakhapatnam is becoming increasingly difficult, with reservations often getting exhausted within minutes despite bookings opening nearly two months in advance. The rush between the two cities intensifies during weekends, holidays and festival seasons.

“Even booking immediately after reservations open does not guarantee a confirmed berth anymore. During festival seasons, getting tickets has become extremely difficult", said K.M. Srinivas Rao, a frequent traveller from Tirupati. This forces many travellers to rely on waiting lists or travel in overcrowded unreserved coaches.

The Tirupati-Visakhapatnam route serves a diverse mix of pilgrims, students, employees, and business travellers moving between north coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema. However, despite steady growth in passenger traffic over the years, no additional direct daily train has been added. At present, Tirumala Express remains the only regular direct daily train connecting the two cities. It has been in heavy demand for years.

The train originally operated only between the two cities before being extended to Kadapa in 2019. It had further been extended to Guntakal from May 12, widening its passenger base.

While the extension has improved connectivity for passengers from other regions, commuters between Tirupati and Visakhapatnam point out that it has reduced berth availability, as more stations now depend on the same service. “More passengers are now competing for the same number of berths", said P. Lakshmi, a resident of Vizag and a regular visitor to Tirumala.

Tirupati MP Dr. M. Gurumurthy has acknowledged the issue. He underscored that rail infrastructure between two key cities needs to be strengthened with additional trains. He said he would soon raise the issue with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and seek improved rail connectivity.

Other options for travellers are SMVT Bengaluru-Howrah Express and the tri-weekly double-decker service that operates on the route. But they offer only limited relief. The Bengaluru-Howrah train has heavy occupancy from passengers across multiple states. The double-decker train has not become a preferred choice because it has only seating facility for the nearly 13-hour journey.

Passengers are demanding additional daily services and faster travel options. They suggest a Vande Bharat sleeper train be introduced along the route.